The Power of the Glance: Seeing the Spirit in Every Encounter

Brothers and sisters, have you ever been in a conversation, or maybe just passing someone in the street, and in a split second, everything shifts? It’s like the Spirit just nudges you, and you realize that moment held more potential than you first thought?

I was thinking the other day about a little clip I saw. It was lighthearted, but the underlying truth hit me like a revelation: the sheer power contained in a simple moment of connection. In the video, the exchange is funny, but what I kept coming back to was the moment the missionary—or in this case, the representative—gets to the core question: “WANT TO GET BAPTIZED?”

It’s so easy, right? We get so focused on the perfect talk, the perfect scripture reference, or even the perfect follow-up plan. We treat missionary discussions like a highly choreographed performance. But the Lord, in His infinite wisdom, reminds us that the Spirit often works in the quiet, in the unplanned, in the *glance*.

As returned missionaries, we learn to anticipate the next question, the next objection. But as disciples, we need to learn to *receive* the Spirit in the unexpected. That moment of eye contact—that’s where the investigator is truly seeing *you*, and more importantly, where you are truly seeing *them*.

The Art of the Open-Ended Question

When we’re in the field, whether we’re in the MTC or out here in our own neighborhoods, we sometimes fall into the trap of having our next point ready. We think, "If I just explain this doctrine really well, they will see it."

But what if the best doctrinal answer isn't a bullet point, but an invitation to think? The video highlights this beautifully. The exchange moves from general conversation to the monumental question of baptism. It’s a pivot point. It requires boldness, yes, but more importantly, it requires *readiness*—readiness to listen, ready to feel, and ready to point them toward the Savior.

This reminds me of what we learn in our Book Club sessions in HolyPlaces. We study the scriptures, we discuss the context, and sometimes the most profound realization comes not from the chapter we were assigned, but from a tangent discussion about what it means to *follow* Christ today. That’s the disciple-life—always ready to pivot when the Spirit directs.

Being an Internet Missionary (and a Neighbor Missionary)

The beautiful truth of our movement is that we are called to be Internet missionaries, but that doesn't mean we only do it through a screen. It means that *every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time*. When you are walking to the store, when you are at work, when you are just scrolling through your phone, you have the power to point a soul toward the Atonement.

If you feel yourself getting bogged down in "what to say," I want you to remember the foundational principle: Be Christlike. Focus on the *feeling* of the gospel, the peace, the joy, the *Spirit*—not just the facts. Let that genuine testimony shine through your eyes. Let your genuine excitement for the restored gospel be the first thing they notice.

A Bite-Sized Mission-Prep Skill: The Reflective Pause

Here’s a small skill I’ve been practicing lately, and I wanted to pass it along. Next time you are having a meaningful conversation with someone you feel is receptive, try implementing the "Reflective Pause." When they say something thoughtful, instead of jumping in with your prepared response, just pause. Take a breath. And then, reflect back what you heard them say, using phrases like, "It sounds like what you're saying is..." or "If I'm understanding correctly, you're feeling..." This validates them, builds trust, and often opens the door for the Spirit to work on their end, making your subsequent testimony even more impactful.

We are building a generation of disciples who are comfortable with the silence, who are comfortable with the pause, and who trust the Spirit to guide the conversation. That’s the work.

If you want to sharpen this skill, I highly recommend revisiting the foundational principles of *Preach My Gospel*. For a deeper dive into how to navigate tough questions, I encourage you to chat with Davee. He’s been honing his AI Investigator role lately, and he can walk you through some tough investigator hypotheticals. Or, if you prefer structured study, check out a Book Club or Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces!

Stay diligent, keep feeling the Spirit, and remember that every single interaction is an opportunity to share the light. Let's keep gathering Israel, together!